Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Dec 27 : Industrial pollution in the Khrew area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has emerged as a serious concern as it severely impacts the environment, agriculture and public health.
Residents speaking with the news agency, said the presence of multiple cement factories has led to alarming levels of dust and pollution, which is endangering not only their lives but also the local ecosystem.
“Pollution levels are rising daily, and it’s taking a toll on our health, agriculture, horticulture, especially saffron cultivation,” said Gulzar Ahmad, a local.
He said that Khrew, once renowned for its lush saffron fields, is now witnessing a decline in saffron production due to pollution. “Cement dust settles on the flowers, hindering their growth and reducing both the quality and quantity of the saffron yield,” he added.
Locals said that pollution has severely affected agriculture and horticulture in the area. The groundwater level has largely declined, which has compounded the problems faced by residents.
Some locals alleged that forests in the area are deliberately set on fire to facilitate mining activities. They accused the concerned departments of being complicit in such actions.
Locals also mentioned the degradation of the local environment, saying dust and pollutants have settled on vegetation, which hampers photosynthesis and causes stunted plant growth. They said that wildlife in the area has been driven away due to environmental degradation.
The rise in pollution has also led to a surge in respiratory ailments among the population. Dr Irfan, a cardiologist at SMHS Hospital, told KNO that heart attacks, asthma, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases have increased in Khrew over the past few years.
“Previously, we would see two to three heart attack cases annually from Khrew. Now, we are seeing cases every week,” he said. “While the immediate impact is evident in adults, the long-term effects of pollution on the younger generation are yet to manifest. It’s a silent health crisis.”
Both locals and experts have called for urgent measures to address the issue. Residents are demanding strict enforcement of environmental regulations, installation of pollution control technologies in the cement factories and an end to harmful practices like forest fires for mining.
Dr Irfan warned that without immediate action, the consequences of unchecked pollution will be devastating for the region. “The concerned departments, especially the Pollution Control Board, must act now. If this continues, the long-term health and environmental impact will be catastrophic,” he said.
The residents of Khrew have expressed hope that their concerns will be addressed before the situation worsens. They have urged authorities to prioritise the health and well-being of both the people and the environment.
